Front Crossmember Question!

[amullis]

Well Here it goes. I hope that I did not waste my money but I bought a new front cross-member for my 68 chevy pickup. I think that the cross-member that i bought is for a later model pickup "73-87". I was under the impression that I could unbolt my entire 68 cross-member and simply bolt the later model cross-member in my truck. That was until I got mine out tonight and did a few precautionary measurements and found that my 68 cross-member is about a half inch wider at the point where it bolts to the frame. I hope that I did not waste my money on this newer model (already rebuilt) cross-member!!!

If you guys have any suggestions as to how I can fix this problem I would greatly appreciate them.

Thanks,
AMullis

[tantrumpipeline]

have you searched this on the board? I opted to stick with my factory one just because it was easier for me, but I do remember reading it wasn't a direct bolt in and there was some drilling to do, any pics of the issue?

[jayman68]

I did the swap in my '68. I put the crossmember out of a '78 into it. The member slid right under and bolted up from the bottom directly. I then had to drill thru the sides, but it was a pretty good fit. I can try to get some pictures if you would like.

[amullis]

Thanks for the info!

I will attempt to take some pics of progress tonight and post them up.

[dyrt]

If you can post up a picture of the new crossmember. Without modification you can actually bolt it in to fit it so you can mark the two holes that you need to drill and the two you need to file out. Keep in mind that these frames are kind of flimsy, we're not talking hydroformed rails, so chances are that when you bolt it in it will snug up just nicely. I actually freed the upper arm towers from a later crossmember and used them with my original 69 main section since it was in better shape. Still had to drill the holes, worked great.

Mike
Posted via Mobile Device

[LockDoc]

I posted some info and pics in this thread:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=272538

LockDoc

[amullis]

Thanks again guys. I had hoped to be able to get some pics tonight, however my 8 and 3 year olds have Christmas Play practice tonight at church. Hopefully I can take some pictures of the two side by side tomorrow and get them on tomorrow night.

[gkesseru]

I put an 81 front end in my 68. The 68 frame measured 1/4 wider than the 81 frame. I got the crossmember to fit by slowly driving it back with a large hammer. I used some tapered rods to line it all up at the end. I think yours should line up the same way. One item no one mentions is that the engine mount towers will need to be modified. See my build thread for how I fixed this.

[amullis]

Got home a little early tonight and was able to snap these shots. Let me know what you guys think.

[amullis]

Here are a few more of the rear 6" drop, the new ECE dropped spindles and the old girl as she sat tonight.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by amullis

Got home a little early tonight and was able to snap these shots. Let me know what you guys think.

I don't see a problem with that... The later frames usually have an angled stiffener inside the frame rails that I save and install with the swap.

LockDoc